State Senator Li Arellano Jr (R-Dixon) is calling out Democrats for pushing through and signing what he calls failed energy legislation that will raise costs and weaken Illinois’ energy future.
“For months, Democrats have talked about affordability and the rising cost of living,” Senator Arellano said. “Yet when given the opportunity to actually lower energy costs, they did the opposite. This bill makes energy less affordable at a time when Illinois families are already stretched thin.”
The energy omnibus signed into law will hurt Illinoisans by:
- Eliminating cost caps that previously protected families from rising energy bills
- Sending billions of dollars to special interests instead of prioritizing affordable energy
- Forcing ratepayers to subsidize risky battery technology that provides only limited, short-term power
- Stripping local control by allowing energy projects to be built as close as 150 feet from homes
The law also notably excludes natural gas, a proven and affordable energy source with bipartisan backing that is essential to grid reliability. Even as Senator Arellano has pushed legislation to modernize and support natural gas infrastructure, Democrats chose to leave it out of the final package.
“This new law failed to meet the moment,” Senator Arellano said. “Illinois has the resources to be a national leader in affordable, reliable energy. Instead, the governor and his allies doubled down on expensive policies that limit supply and give unelected bureaucrats more authority to raise rates on working families.”